SMS (Safety Management System) Manager in Ipswich

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a family-run business that has been offering exceptional cruise experiences for over 170 years. With a fleet of ships that provide intimate, friendly, and immersive voyages, we are committed to delivering world-class service with a personal touch. Join us and be part of a proud heritage that is all about making lasting memories for our guests.

As we continue to grow, we are now strengthening our HESS team with an SMS Manager in our Ipswich Head Office.

The SMS Manager is responsible for the administration and control of the Safety Management System, ownership of internal audit scheduling and planning, management of the internal audit programme, coordination and conduct of audits within assigned competence, tracking of corrective actions, maintenance of compliance records and production of assurance reporting.

You would act as a central point for governance, document control and audit activities, ensuring controlled information, audit plans, schedules, evidence and corrective actions are maintained in a consistent, accurate and auditable manner.

Main Tasks & Activities:

• Maintain the Company Safety Management System, including document control, approval workflows, revision histories and distribution records.
• Coordinate the review, approval, publication, amendment and withdrawal of controlled documents.
• Monitor document review periods and liaise with document owners to ensure timely completion of reviews.
• Maintain records of SMS approvals, management of change activities and procedural updates.
• Own the development, maintenance and administration of the annual internal audit schedule covering shore-based, vessel and selected third-party activities, ensuring audits are planned, scheduled and communicated in a controlled and auditable manner.
• Take responsibility for audit planning activities, including scope confirmation, timing, logistics, auditor allocation and communications with auditees and stakeholders.
• Conduct internal audits and compliance reviews in accordance with approved audit plans and assigned competencies.
• Maintain systems for tracking non-conformities, observations, corrective actions and improvement initiatives.
• Maintain compliance registers, audit records, assurance trackers and governance databases.
• Collate, validate and analyse information received from ship and shore departments.
• Promote effective audit practices, document control standards and governance arrangements across the organisation.

About You:

• Experience conducting or coordinating audits and compliance reviews.
• Experience maintaining action tracking systems and governance records.
• Experience producing management information and assurance reports.
• Background within maritime, technical, engineering or other regulated industries is beneficial but not essential.
• Knowledge of audit principles, evidence gathering and report writing.
• Strong document control and data management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to engage positively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Effective organisation and planning skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to travel to vessels and external locations as required.

This is a permanent, full-time role, working 35 hours per week Monday to Friday.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offer a wide range of benefits including AXA Health medical, Life Assurance, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, discounted holidays and cruises, plus retail discounts and cash back incentives through our Boost Benefits scheme. Attached to this advert you will find a full job description and details of our Company benefits on offer.

Our Values:

• We are one team - Working together, supporting each other and recognising that every role plays a part.
• We are ambitious - Always looking for opportunities to improve and deliver more for our guests, colleagues and business.
• We are curious - Asking questions, seeking new ideas and learning from the world around us.
• We are real - Bringing our authentic selves to work and creating genuine connections.

As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We want to ensure that you feel supported throughout the application process and provide reasonable adjustments where necessary and requested. If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of your application and interview process, please do not hesitate to let us know.